Recuerdos de la Alhambra - Francisco Tarrega
Recuerdos de la Alhambra - Francisco Tarrega
Recuerdos de la Alhambra or Memories of the Alhambra is an iconic piece in the classical guitar repertoire. As a solo piece I rank it next to the Concierto de Aranjuez as one of the most recognisable and transcribed pieces for guitar. Written in 1896 by the great Francisco Tarrega it stands alone as the most popular piece ever written for guitar using the highly specialised 'tremolo' technique - P, a, m, i. Interestingly the wonderful Ana Vidovic plays the tremolo using P, i, m, i!
My arrangement has complete fingering suggestions for both hands and video tutorial(s) to guide you through the piece from beginning to end.
The tremelo technique involves the rapid repetition of a note sounded by any combination of right-hand fingers but usually thumb, annular, middle, index. The tremolo is used to give the impression or the illusion of sustain that is similar to that of a note being bowed by a violin.
Other tremolo patterns are as follows:
- p, i, m, a
- p, i, m, i
- p, i, a, m, i
From a technical standpoint the idea is to produce a rapid series of notes with an even and consistent tone in terms of both volume and duration.
Players considered to have the most legendary tremolo techniques include:
- David Russel
- Xuefei Yang
- Manitas de Plata
